Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Defensive Backs: More on Zone Coverage!

Zone defenses will usually be broken down into three different types of zone pass coverages. There's the two-deep zone, a three-deep zone, and an occasional four-deep zone. In all three zone defenses, the first rule is, if you're in coverage, that you can backpedal deep enough so that you stay between your goal line and the deepest offensive receiver in your zone. Before the play begins, make certain you know what type of pass coverage has been called - zone or man. If it's zone:

1. Know where you need to go and/or which zone you must cover
2. Know how you're going to get to your zone
3. Know what your responsibilities are once you reach and are set up in your zone

A two-deep zone will usually involve both safeties dropping deep, each covering half of the field. It's important they backpedal as quickly as possible, get as deep as they can, stay deeper than any receiver in their half of the field, look at the QB, and react the instant the quarterback steps and throws.

At the same time, both corners, who will be covering the outside underneath zones with the linebackers should:

1. Leave their original alignment before the play began
2. Move up to five yards from the line of scrimmage
3. Take a position just outside the offensive receiver as he moves up field
4. Bump the receiver to the inside, interrupt his run up the field, and force the receiver in toward the safety
5. Drop back to 12 yards using a backpedal
6. Focus on the QB
7. React when the ball leaves the quarterback's hand

Next time we'll be covering the three-deep zone!

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